Queensland is subject to storms, flooding, cyclones, and other unpredictable weather. These tips will help you prepare for storm season.
Prepare your home for floods and storms.
Before a storm or wet season
- Test it frequently by installing a safety toggle.
- In an emergency, know where to shut off power, gas, and water supply.
- Take away any electrical equipment you don’t use and put it in a safe location.
- Store in a dry place and unplug outside TVs or non-fixed aerials.
- When a storm is approaching, turn off and unplug any electrical equipment.
- Use the safe isolation method to shut down your solar PV system.
These simple tips will help you and your home stay safe in a flood or storm.
- For weather updates, listen to your local radio station.
- If you have lost power, turn off the power and unplug any electrical equipment.
- Avoid using a fixed phone during thunderstorms, as you could get an electric shock.
- If floodwaters are likely, move electrical equipment to higher places.
- Avoid powerlines, trees, and watercourses.
After a flood or storm, clean up.
It is important to safely clean up after a storm.
- For more advice and warnings, listen to your local radio station.
- Notify the emergency services and your local electricity distribution company of any fallen, low or damaged powerlines.
- Avoid electrical signs, streetlights, cables, foil insulation, and other conductive materials that might be found around your home.
- If they are damaged by fire, water or lightning, stay away from them and warn others not to touch them.
- It’s illegal and dangerous to do electrical work yourself. You should always use a licensed electrician in North Brisbane.
- Avoid climbing on the roof of a solar power system. Also, keep your hands off of cables and solar panels.
- If asbestos is present, make sure to remove it safely.
Damage to property or connections
Verification tests may be required for any property or connecting line that has been damaged in a storm or flood.
This task can only be performed by a licensed electrician. A certificate of testing will verify that your local electricity distribution company can reconnect your service.
Queensland Disaster Management has more information on storm safety and actions you can take before, during, and after a storm.
Solar PV systems
Before your solar PV system is re-commissioned, you should have it inspected by a licensed electrician. This inspection is necessary before the rest of the clean-up is around the PV cells and any associated wiring.
Even though the network supply is shut off, the PV systems will still produce voltages throughout the day so that the PV cells, as well as the associated wiring, can continue to operate.
During a clean-up:
- After a storm/flood/cyclone, do not try to shut off the system.
- Avoid the wiring and solar panels.
- Get an electrician to inspect the system.
Once your system is tested and safe, you can start the setup process.
Your solar PV system generates electricity even though the sun isn’t out. The system and its wires should always be treated as living.
Learn more about solar PV safety.
Equipment and appliances that use electricity
Water-damaged equipment can lead to electric shocks or fires.
- Have a licensed electrician remove water-affected electrical equipment, such as televisions, toasters, and kettles.
- A licensed electrician should inspect all water-damaged, hard-wired appliances such as stoves or air-conditioning units that are intended for re-use. This safety inspection may be necessary before the power supply can again be connected.
Learn more about electrical equipment.
Generators
Generators can cause serious injury, so be careful:
- Use a generator switch to connect your generator to the house’s electrical wiring. These switches should only be installed by an electrician licensed to do so.
- You should not connect your generator with your house via a power point or other connection point. This could lead to dangerous back-feeding.
- Make sure all leads that connect to your generator are in working order.
- Powerboards should be equipped with an overload cutout switch.
- The generator can be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated location.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not exceed the generator’s maximum load rating.
Learn more about generator safety
Additional information
Contact your local distribution agency for more information about storms and electrical safety in your area.
- Ergon Energy 13 10 46
- Energex at 13 12 53
- Essential Energy at 13 23 91
Learn more information for employers and workers about being prepared for natural disasters.
Electrical Contractors in SE Queensland
Electrical contractors in Queensland offer a comprehensive range of services across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. From Electrical Safety and Compliance to Electrical Wiring for New Homes, they cater to various needs, ensuring that all properties are safely and efficiently powered.
Residential Electrical Services
- Electrical Installations
- Lighting, power points, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and appliances.
- Home Automation
- Smart home systems, lighting control, security systems, and Home Theatre Installation & Setup.
- Switchboard Upgrades
- Replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards featuring safety switches.
- Rewiring
- Full or partial rewiring of homes, especially older properties.
- Electrical Inspections
- Safety checks, compliance inspections, and pre-purchase inspections.
- Surge Protection
- Installation of surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices.
- Smoke Alarm Installation, Testing & Inspections
- Compliance with Queensland legislation requiring interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Outdoor Lighting
- Garden lighting, pool lighting, and security lighting.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
- LED lighting upgrades, solar panel installations, and energy audits.
- Fault Finding and Repairs
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
- Renovations and Extensions
- Electrical work for home renovations and extensions.
Commercial Electrical Services
- Commercial Lighting
- Installation of interior and exterior lighting, including LED lighting and emergency lighting.
- Data and Communications
- Cabling for internet, phone systems, and data networks.
- Electrical Fit-outs
- Electrical work for new offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties.
- Power Distribution
- Installation and maintenance of electrical panels, transformers, and power distribution systems.
- Security Systems Wiring Installation
- CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Regular maintenance and testing of electrical systems.
- Energy Management Systems
- Installation and monitoring of systems to reduce energy consumption.
- Testing and Tagging
- Compliance testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
- UPS Systems
- Installation and maintenance of uninterruptible power supply systems.
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical wiring for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Industrial Electrical Services
- Industrial Automation
- PLC programming, automation systems, and control panel installations.
- High Voltage Installations
- Installation and maintenance of high voltage systems and equipment.
- Machine Installations
- Electrical wiring and setup of industrial machinery.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Preventive and reactive maintenance for industrial electrical systems.
- Power Factor Correction
- Installation of equipment to improve power factor and reduce energy costs.
- Electrical Upgrades
- Upgrading electrical systems and infrastructure in industrial facilities.
- Instrumentation and Control
- Installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems.
- Emergency Power Systems
- Installation and maintenance of backup generators and other solutions.
- Hazardous Area Electrical Work
- Electrical work in hazardous environments, including explosive atmospheres.
- Electrical Design and Engineering
- Custom electrical system design and engineering services.
Additional Services Across Sectors
- Electrical Cost for New Home Construction
- Electrical Contractors For Building Sites
- Electrical Wiring Services
- Electrical Repair & Fault Finding Services
- Electrical Contractors For Real Estate & Property Managers
- Electrical Preventative Maintenance For Commercial & Industrial Machinery
- Three-Phase Power Upgrades & Installation
- Hot Water System Installation & Repairs Services
- Emergency & Exit Light Testing Electrical Services
- Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Electrical Services
- Exhaust Fans & Bathroom Heating Installation Services
- Air Conditioning Services
- Electrical Appliance Installation
- Electrical Renovations & Extensions
- Electrical Safety Test Inspection
- Test and Tag Services
- Lighting Installation
- Power Point Installation, Upgrades & Replacement
- Switchboard Upgrade & Replacement
- Commercial Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Home Automation Installations & Repairs
These services ensure that all properties, from homes to large industrial complexes, receive the highest level of electrical safety, efficiency, and innovation.